Air ducts are a vital component of every heating and cooling system, facilitating heated and cool air produced by the unit to travel throughout the home. Over time, the ducts accumulate dust and debris or harbor insects, mold, and rodents, leading to various issues, including poor air quality, high energy bills, reduced efficiency, and increased system wear and tear. Experts recommend scheduling air duct cleaning by professionals every three to five years to dramatically improve the indoor air quality and enhance the unit performance.
Since the supply and return air ducts are out-of-sight, not many homeowners pay heed to their regular cleaning until the situation worsens. Let's discuss the signs that of when it is time to call a duct cleaning company for air duct inspection and cleaning:
Visible dust and debris
Some of the symptoms that your air ducts are clogged and need cleaning include:
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Dirt and debris around the vents and grilles.
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Dust or smoke is blowing out through the vents when the system starts running.
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Presence of dust in the home even after regular cleaning.
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Interior surfaces remain coated with dust.
Mold growth
The presence of wet spots or mold and mildew in the ductwork or around vent covers and air registers is a clear sign that it is time to call in a professional. Mold spores quickly spread throughout the home, aggravating allergy symptoms and causing other health issues. Cleaning the air ducts to remove mold is essential to preserve indoor air quality and prevent any health risks.
Pest infestation
It is not uncommon for insects, pests, and rodents to make their way into the ductwork. Inspect the air ducts regularly for signs of pest infestations like droppings, dead insects or rodents, dander, unpleasant odor, and unusual sounds. Ducts infested with pests require immediate attention to avoid system damage and ensure your family's well-being.
Clogged air filter
If the air filters accumulate excessive dirt or require frequent cleaning and replacement than usual, it indicates that an increased number of contaminants are making their way into the ductwork. Get your ductwork cleaned by professionals and pay attention to changing the filter regularly to enhance the system's effectiveness.
Unexplained increase in energy bills
Unclean or dirty air ducts can cause a spike in the heating and cooling cost without any increase in the HVAC system usage. Clogged ducts restrict airflow, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy to achieve the desired comfort level, leading to increased utility bills. A sudden noticeable rise in the energy costs is a tell-tale sign that the ductwork needs a thorough cleaning.
A rise in respiratory issues
Sometimes it is hard to detect visible signs of clogged or dirty air ducts. However, the presence of mold or excessive dirt and debris in the ducts deteriorates indoor air quality, may cause one or more family members to experience health problems like sneezing, coughing, skin irritation, runny nose, weakness, fatigue, digestive issues, joint pain, and worsening allergies. Call a professional for air duct inspection for ongoing symptoms.
Uneven airflow
Vents deliver consistent airflow indoors. Blockages or leaks inside the air ducts cause uneven airflow in different home areas, signifying the need to clean the air ducts.
Do you need professional HVAC cleaning?
Contact a professional duct cleaning company if you notice any of the signs mentioned above. Routine duct inspection and cleaning are essential to prevent several health and maintenance issues and achieve reliable HVAC system performance.
Mr. Duct Cleaning offers air duct services, including cleaning, repair, and replacement. We provide air duct sealing, dryer vent cleaning, and furnace cleaning services, too! Our Metro Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Queen Creek residential and commercial customers can call us at (480)254-5980 today!